Mamamax, you are face to face with patients with whom you must interact. You need to keep not only their confidence in your ability to care for them but also your desire to do so. They must trust you.
I understand your dilemma.
In your position, I think I would first gently change the subject if possible. This would be perceived as a neutral response... and my relationship with the patient would not be compromised.
If, however, the patient is clearly looking for approval then I would clearly have to 'bite the bullet'. The patient's demeanour, the circumstances at the time, and so on, would all play a part in my response, but in general terms I would try something along the lines of:
"Every country has its culture and traditions. Mine are not the same as yours and I would never wish circumcision for myself or my daughters, but if you are honestly happy with what was done to you then who am I to tell you differently? You have no wish to change it, even if you could."
I would then look for any redeeming factors in her nature - her personality, her character - and speak glowingly and sincerely about these. Following this, if she questioned me about my own beliefs I would be free to talk about them and, depending upon her reactions, suggest she might reconsider her position regarding a daughter of hers.
This is all very general and conditional, of course, but every one of us have met with occasions where our views don't match another's. Sometimes we are compelled to offer an opposing standpoint... and each of us has our own, unique way of doing this.
Christopher
I understand your dilemma.
In your position, I think I would first gently change the subject if possible. This would be perceived as a neutral response... and my relationship with the patient would not be compromised.
If, however, the patient is clearly looking for approval then I would clearly have to 'bite the bullet'. The patient's demeanour, the circumstances at the time, and so on, would all play a part in my response, but in general terms I would try something along the lines of:
"Every country has its culture and traditions. Mine are not the same as yours and I would never wish circumcision for myself or my daughters, but if you are honestly happy with what was done to you then who am I to tell you differently? You have no wish to change it, even if you could."
I would then look for any redeeming factors in her nature - her personality, her character - and speak glowingly and sincerely about these. Following this, if she questioned me about my own beliefs I would be free to talk about them and, depending upon her reactions, suggest she might reconsider her position regarding a daughter of hers.
This is all very general and conditional, of course, but every one of us have met with occasions where our views don't match another's. Sometimes we are compelled to offer an opposing standpoint... and each of us has our own, unique way of doing this.
Christopher
